Evaluation of the Opinion of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis on the Outcomes of Catching COVID-19 and Its Effects on the MS Symptoms

Introduction: To assess the opinion of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on the outcomes of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) and its effects on MS symptoms if they catch coronavirus. A cross-sectional study was performed.

Methods: Considering the study objectives, a questionnaire was designed and prepared as a Google Form for MS patients for one week.

Results: A total of 148 MS patients with an average age of 35.73 years completed the questionnaire. The most important concern of the participants was "a high prevalence of COVID-19" following by the "MS symptoms worsening". Many participants (35%) believed that, if they catch COVID-19 they will be cured. However, the treatment will take more time for them in comparison with the general population. About 39.8% of the patients stated that COVID-19 infection does not affect the MS symptom, but others noted that, it can cause relapse (30.8%) or worsen MS symptoms (29.3%).

Conclusion: This study revealed that MS patients are more anxious about the effects of COVID-19 on their underlying disease rather than the infection itself.